Chalk
Chalk soil drains very well are suited to quality wine production. It is softer than most other types of limestone. The Chalk Hill AVA is famous for its distinctively white soils.
The effect of Chalk in the Vineyard
Varietals that are grown in chalky soils are valued for their acidity. Because chalk is alkaline, it increases acidity in grapes. In Europe, several famous wine regions have a significant amount of chalk in their vineyards. These include Sancerre in the Loire Valley, Champagne and Chablis.
Chalk is a porous type of limestone that contains calcite. Calcite is derived from tiny organisms in coastal waters. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc do particularly well in chalk soils.
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